Wetzel County LEPC committee members and citizens quarterly meeting. WC LEPC.

The Wetzel County Local Emergency Planning Committee held its quarterly meeting at the Mollohan Center on the county’s 4-H Camp grounds on July 25, 2025. Larry Thomas is the local Chairman of the committee.

A panel of local officials were present for the meeting with the members and public. County Commission President Lisa Heasley, Norma Ritz, LEPC Secretary / Treasurer, Larry Thomas and Steve Yoho Director of Wetzel County Emergency Services were in attendance. Also in attendance was Mike Roberts, DOH Superintendent of Wetzel County.

First items on the day’s agenda were the introduction of the committees’ members that were present including representees from the Red Cross, Oil and Gas Industry, County’s Chamber of Commerce, Williams, Highways safety division, local media and WV Dept. of Highways.

Chairman Thomas reviewed the last meeting minutes and asked if there were any questions before the group gave its approval. L.E.P.C Secretary Norma Ritz, Treasurer reported on the organization’s operating funds. She noted they have a $7,000 balance amount in the Organization funds. Both the minutes and finances were approved.

The first Item under Old Business was a report by Steve Yoho on the progress of the county upgrading its radio system. He reported that if the schedules hold, in three weeks the new equipment should be in place and the appropriate towers powered. He stated that over the next three months testing and programming of the system will take place. If no further problems develop, he believes by the first of November the new and much improved system will enable the 911 Center to be able to communicate with EMS, Fire Departments, Law enforcement and other public agencies across the county. The new system will also enable communications beyond Wetzel County if needed.

Under New Business, a representative from Williams Company reported that an emergency response drill will be held at the Natrium Plant on August 26, 2025. It will give local agencies firsthand experience to respond to any emergency that might arise during the course of normal operations.

Discussion was held concerning floodplain management. It was stated that under a new state requirement. Letters of determination must be filed by homeowners in the case of new construction. Even if their property is not in a known floodplain area.

A representee of the oil and gas industry was present to speak about a problem of heavy trucks parking in the center turning lanes and in a variety of locations around the county. He gave an example of drivers parking in the turning lane to go into fast food restaurants to pick up food. The spokesperson for the oil and gas business owners, explained that the trucks are subcontracted and they have no jurisdiction over the trucks to prevent the parking problems.

During the discussion it was noted that in an effort to help the truckers out with parking, they allowed them to use the former Chevrolet garage in New Martinsville to park overnight. He said the results were a lot of garbage and unsanitary items tossed on the ground for state employees to clean up. So, they had to block access to the parking area.

After much discussion and frustration by all present, it was plain that neither the industry nor the state can do much about this potential hazardous problem.

Discussion was held concerning the upcoming school year and the new bus route over Barker Hill. An industry representative explained that a curfew will be in place during the time when school buses will be present. He stated that they have spent a great deal of time in discussion with school officials hoping to prevent any unnecessary issues between trucks and buses. However he acknowledged that truck traffic has in the past ignored curfews put in place to make sure safety of the county students is a top priority.

More discussion was held to determine if the county has plans to improve the alert system for potential flash flooding or any other emergency situation. Steve Yoho stated that the county has requested a $100,000 grant to improve the current alert system. He also said that Wetzel County already has the CODE RED ALERT SYSTEM which delivers alerts by phone to area residents. He also said that there are a few sirens around the county that could alert citizens, but they are in need of repair and the devices are so far out of date, no parts are available. It was asked if the Wetzel County Commission could be of any help providing assistance for these devices.

Proctor Creek, Doolin Creek, The Hundred areas creeks and other small towns are subject to and have had devastating flash floods in the past. The committee was asked if they have any plans to provide warnings and alerts to avoid a disaster such as recent ones in WV and Texas that took lives and destroyed so much property. Again, the subject of money and grants was brought up as a possible solution.

In a direct question to the Highways representative, it was asked if he had any idea when the four-lane bridge project would begin, and how the traffic was going to be rerouted. The representative and the committee group were not able to provide any information on the subject. The Dept of Highways representative said at the present time, a permit is needed from Charleston to begin the project.

The next meeting of the committee will be October 17,2025 at 10:00am for the time being it is scheduled to be held at the Mollohan center.